Trump announces Pence as running mate, 'partner' to rebuild US

July 16,2016 18:23

NEW YORK — Donald Trump said Saturday that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will be "my partner" in a fight to change the United States by rebuilding the manufacturing sector at home and fighting terrorism from abroad. "We are in a rigged, rigged system ...

Donald Trump introduced Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate on Saturday, calling him his first choice to join him on the Republican presidential ticket. Pence publically accepted Trump's offer calling Trump a "good man." (July 16) APNEW YORKÂ â€” Donald Trump said Saturday that Indiana Gov.Â Mike Pence will be "my partner" in a fight to change the United States by rebuilding the manufacturing sector at home and fighting terrorism from abroad."We are in a rigged, rigged system," Trump said in unveiling his new running mateÂ during a Saturday morning event in New York City.Pence â€” who spoke after more than 25Â minutes of Trump talking more about himself than his new running mate â€”Â described himself as he frequently does, as "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican -â€” in that order."In thanking Trump for his appointment, the Indiana governorÂ described the New York businessman as a "builder," a "fighter," and a "patriotic American" who will bring "no-nonsense leadership" to Washington, D.C.The formal introductionÂ cameÂ a day after the Republican candidate had planned to make it. The real estate mogul had postponed the announcementÂ after the terrorist attack in the French city ofÂ Nice,Â and amid reports that he was wavering on the Pence pick.Pushing back on those reports, Trump said Pence was "my first choice" for the running mate slot.Contrasting his new running mate with his Democratic election opponent, Trump said Pence is "a man of honor," while "Hillary Clinton is the embodiment of corruption."There appeared to be about as many members of the media at the Saturday eventÂ as Trump supporters, who filled five rows of seats in a HiltonÂ ballroom thatÂ was not expanded to its full size.Trump unveiledÂ Pence two days before the start of the Republican convention in Cleveland.Saying that "we're going to have an incredible convention," the candidateÂ also taunted "Never Trump" opponents who failed to change the voting rules in a bid to somehow derail his nomination."They got crushed," Trump said, adding that Republicans want an agenda that includes changing trade deals and building an anti-migration wall on the United States-Mexico border.Trump picked Pence in part because of the governor's popularity with religious conservatives. In introducing Pence, Trump made sure to speak at length about changing a federal law that bars churches from engaging in political activity. In praising Pence's record, Trump said that "one of the big reasons I chose Mike is party unity, I have to be honest."Trump tweeted his running mateÂ decision Friday and announced the Saturday event, saying he was "pleased" to have the Indiana governor join him on the ticket.After the joint appearance with Trump at the New York Hilton Midtown, Pence flies back for a "welcome home rally" in Zionsville, Ind. Trump is not scheduled to attend the Indiana event.In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News,Â Pence downplayed or reversed past differences he has had with Trump.The Indiana governor, who had criticized Trump for his proposed temporary ban on Muslim entry into the United States, told Fox News "IÂ am very supportive of Donald Trump's call to temporarily suspend immigration from countries where terrorists (have)Â influence."Asked if Mexico would pay for a wall along the nation's southern border, Pence said: "Absolutely."Trade? Pence said that while he supports free trade, he agrees with Trump that current agreements should be revisited."When we elect one of the best negotiators in the world as president of the United States, I'm open to renegotiatingÂ these trade agreements," Pence said.In his remarks introducing Pence, Trump noted that the governor actually endorsed Ted Cruz during the Indiana primary,Â but also said very nice things about the New Yorker. Trump, whose win in Indiana forced Cruz from the race and virtually clinched the Republican nomination,Â called Pence's commentÂ "the greatest non-endorsement in history."Trump alsoÂ discussedÂ the Nice attack,Â criticizingÂ the Obama administration andÂ Clinton over their foreign policy, and vowingÂ to protect the United States from terrorism through "strength." He described himself and Pence as the "Law and Order" candidates.Republicans who have criticized Trump on variousÂ issues praised his selection as Pence.Former GOP primary opponent Marco Rubio tweeted that Trump made a "great pick," and that Pence is "rock solid."Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who has refused to endorse Trump, tweeted thatÂ "Mike Pence is a good man," and "heÂ will add value to the ticket."Democrats mocked the pick, saying Pence's efforts to block abortion rights and promote the interests of the wealthy will turn off moderate voters. The campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton denounced Trump as "the most extreme VP pick in a generation."Trump and Pence meet the press after a somewhat chaotic selection process that played out in recent days.The candidate and his aides reacted angrily over news leaks Thursday about Pence's selection. In the meantime, Trump heard last-minute pleas from backers of the other two vice presidential finalists, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House speaker Newt Gingrich.Pence had support from top Trump aides who said he would win favor from the conservative Republican base, helping unite the party.As late as Thursday â€”Â even as Pence sat in a New York hotel, having flown in from Indiana â€” Trump told Fox News that he had not yet made his "final, final decision."Late Friday morning, however,Â Trump confirmed his choice on Twitter:Â â€œI am pleased to announce that I have chosen Governor Mike Pence as my Vice Presidential running mate," he tweeted.Reporters onÂ SaturdayÂ chuckled at one of the pre-event musical selections: The Rolling Stones'Â â€œYou Canâ€™t Always Get What You Want."â€Replay1 of 142 of 143 of 144 of 145 of 146 of 147 of 148 of 149 of 1410 of 1411 of 1412 of 1413 of 1414 of 14AutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsRead or Share this story: http://usat.ly/29K2Phv